World Food Day

Today (October 16) is World Food Day. Started in 1979 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Food Day was first observed in 1981. Ending hunger and malnutrition through political will is the primary goal of World Food Day.

If you’re reading this, chances are good you aren’t truly “hungry” or malnourished by any means. I mean, right now, I feel hungry. All I can think about (besides writing this post) is what I’m going to have for dinner. I have several options, and today I’m feeling especially gluttonous – cheeseburgers? Pancakes? Biscuits and gravy (ding ding ding!!)? I’m certainly not at a loss for food.

My hunger pangs pale in comparison to what many across the world feel. Food insecurity is a real issue in our own neighborhoods, let alone across the globe. The above inforgraphic has a few well-designed details for you.

There is plenty we can do, even if it doesn’t seem very “political” to help end this crisis. The World Food Program website and Oxfam America website have details on how you can help, and here is more information, in case you are in a news-reading mood. It’s surprising how one or two simple actions can have a grand impact.